School memories

My old school is celebrating 50 years in existence. Because of this the local newsletter published a short piece with some ex pupils recollections. A lot didn't exactly tally with my own experience and recollection so I sent in a letter and now been invited to write more for a local history website.

The school was form by the amalgamation of two existing schools opening in September 1975. I'd done one year at the old school moving then to the new one.

I found it funny how some "recollections" were just simply wrong in my memory. Anyways I've written my few hundred words and submitted it to the editor. But in the post truth world it seemed to me they wanted to paint the school in a particular (negative) light so I'll be intrigued to see if all my words make it to the website as an alternative view or editorial bias takes over.

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FreddieUK · 70-79, M

You were obviously at secondary school during the great comprehensive revolution, ironically brought about under the Thatcher Conservative administration. My old schools disappeared into that kind of amalgamation and one is now a well respected comprehensive and the other a housing estate LOL.

It's great that you've been invited to write for a history website which shows that you have an engaging writing technique. I've avoided my old school Facebook group (I've never subscribed to that anyway) but I'm told that there's quite a difference between the happy memories of those who were there when it was a comprehensive school just before it closed and those who were there when I was.

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OldBrit · 61-69, M

@FreddieUK but that's exactly how it's portrayed to them.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@OldBrit My recollection is that the kind of school that you describe with the division of the 'grammar' pupils from 'the others' within the same building we used to call Bilateral Schools. They weren't many of them and I think you're the first person I've heard from who actually experienced them.

OldBrit · 61-69, M

@FreddieUK yep Bilateral Comprehensive I believe. Very few about.

My son went 25 years later. Didn't pass 11plus but it worked for him. He ended up with PhD 😁

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

When you say a negative light, do you think that is a deliberate editorial steer, or just a British tendency to be a bit moany? I've got plenty of unpleasant memories from school (alongside many good ones), but probably wouldn't share them at a "celebration"!

OldBrit · 61-69, M

@SunshineGirl deliberate editorial steer. Encountered it when my son was there 20 years ago now and another local news outlet continually bad mouthed it.

Interestingly you then find the editor of that was once a pupil of the rival school about 2 miles away. I assume some long held grudge.

The guy I spoke to clearly had never even visited the school as I discussed various buildings and their history.

4meAndyou · F

History is always written by those with a vested interest in their own bias. Whether it is an emotional or political interest, can usually be discerned by reading the history.

I am GLAD you have an opportunity to contribute to the history of your school in the way that YOU lived it.

cherokeepatti · 61-69, F

Well done if you got requested to write for a local history site.

Llholly · 51-55, F

Down memory lane.....💕🤗

gandalf1957 · 61-69, M

the latter probably

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